UF's Tobacco 101 Course Makes National Debut On Great American Smokeout Day

November 7, 2001

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – As smokers gear up to kick the habit during the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout next week, the University of Florida is launching what may be the nation’s first course specifically aimed at teaching college students about tobacco’s role in society.

The plan: to give the nation’s future decision-makers and health-care providers the ammunition they need in the ongoing battle against tobacco use.

Epidemiology and Health Issues of Tobacco Addiction – Tobacco 101 as it is known informally – is a three-credit Internet-based course designed for college students pursuing health-related careers, as well as those in other fields such as law, criminology, sociology, psychology and education. The online course, offered by UF’s College of Medicine, is designed to provide students with a historical, medical and sociological perspective of tobacco and the role it has played in history, public health, legislation and other aspects of society.

“Since public health and sociological problems are best addressed through education, and given the fact that tobacco is a leading health problem in the United States, the course has the potential to make a huge impact as it increases future professionals’ knowledge of tobacco and prevention and treatment skills,” said course director Timothy J. VanSusteren, associate dean of the UF Office of Continuing Medical Education and Faculty Development.

Smoking is responsible for one in five deaths each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

VanSusteren said he knows of no other college-level course that concentrates solely on tobacco, and that the course is unique in its student-centered focus.

Tobacco 101 consists of 15 lessons, including topics such as the anti-tobacco movement, tobacco legislation, marketing of tobacco, models of addiction, designing a recovery plan, treatment and prevention. The course also includes various interactive activities, a journal component and a final paper. The distance education aspect provides students some flexibility to complete classwork, but the course must be finished within six months.

“Tobacco 101 is an easy and convenient way to learn all about tobacco use and abuse throughout history and today. I have a much broader understanding of tobacco and its health issues, and the online format has made this one of the most complete and easy-to-follow courses I’ve ever taken,” said Mark Sylvester, a postbaccalaureate student currently studying neuroscience. Sylvester is one of 28 UF students participating in a pilot program of the course. Beginning Thursday (Nov. 15), the course will be offered nationwide through continuous enrollment.

In early 2002, UF plans to launch a related program for health and mental health professionals through Continuing Medical Education. The program will provide knowledge, skills and abilities for smoking cessation counseling and prevention activism. Professionals who finish the 45-hour program will be awarded a certificate of completion.

The American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout each year to spotlight the hazards of smoking and challenge people to stop using tobacco. With this year marking the event’s 25th anniversary, the organization is renewing its pledge to conquer lung cancer, help smokers decide to quit and offer support.

According to a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in October, approximately 46.5 million adults smoked tobacco in 1999. Of these, approximately 41 percent had stopped smoking at least one day during the preceding 12 months but were unsuccessful in quitting the habit, said Leila Martini, director of tobacco control for the American Cancer Society’s Florida Division.

“It is very important to educate future health-care providers about the impact of tobacco in our society so they may assist in supporting individuals who would like to quit,” Martini said.

The course was developed by VanSusteren, with curriculum design and course materials by Shelly Styles of Algonquin College in Ottawa and Murray Kelly, an internationally recognized expert in tobacco cessation and president of Ottawa-based Patient Support International.

UF contributors include department of psychiatry faculty members Dr. Mark S. Gold, chief of the addiction medicine division, and Dr. William S. Jacobs, a clinical assistant professor and medical director of Gateway Community Services Inc., which is affiliated with UF, as well as Dr. Maureen A. Kays, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and Tavis Glassman, coordinator of education/training programs for the Campus Alcohol and Drug Resource Center at the UF Student Health Care Center.

To enroll in Tobacco 101, visit www.onlineuf.org.